According to a department statement, El Monte Police Department Chief Ben Lowry died Monday due to unspecified health issues. At the time of his death, Lowry was 45 years old. The precise cause of his death was not disclosed. According to the El Monte Police Department, Acting Chief Jake Fisher will take over Lowry’s position.
“During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with the Lowry family,” Fisher said in a statement. “We are all heartbroken and mourning the loss of a great leader, man, husband, son, friend, and colleague.” Chief Lowry’s devotion to the Department and the people of El Monte will not be forgotten. Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated his love for El Monte by leading with compassion and unity. I am grateful for the many years I have known and served with Chief Lowry.”
Lowry’s career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department began in 2000. In 2002, he was transferred to the El Monte Police Department. Following his leadership following the fatal shootings of El Monte Police Department Corporal Michael Paredes and Officer Joseph Santana, Lowry was appointed interim police chief in December 2021 and officially appointed chief in June 2022.
Lowry worked in the Field Services Division, the Administrative Services Division, the Patrol Division, the Traffic Safety Bureau, the Community Relations Office, the School Resource Officer program, the Detective Bureau, the Gang and Narcotics Unit, and the Records Bureau during his years with the El Monte Police Department.
Funeral and memorial arrangements are yet to be announced, but a procession from Foothill Community Presbyterian Church in El Monte to Forest Lawn Cemetery in Covina Hills is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Monday.